When it came down to crunch time, the Madison County girls’ soccer team had the all-important ice in its veins.
Tied 1-1 with Monroe Area in overtime Tuesday, the Lady Raiders (1-5-1) beat the Lady Purple Hurricanes on penalty kicks to snap a six-game winless streak with a 2-1 victory.
Madison County had started the season with five losses and a tie.
“I continue to be impressed by the determination all our players have shown in every game, never giving up in any of them,” coach Susanna Hawley said.
After the scoreless overtime, Danielle Kindley, Renee Ellisor and Rebecca Smith successfully converted their penalty kicks, while goalkeeper Morgan Pierce stopped three of the four kicks Monroe Area attempted.
“It’s very unnerving to have everyone in the stadium focusing on you in a penalty kick situation, but all four calmly stepped up and did their jobs to secure the victory for the team,” Hawley said.
Sarah Robertson scored Madison County’s lone goal in regulation.
Though Monroe Area later tied the game, Hawley praised her team for its perseverance.
“After surrendering the tying goal Tuesday, the girls didn’t get down on themselves but continued to fight for the remainder of the game and the overtime period,” she said.
Madison County’s girls took one on the chin four nights earlier, falling 10-0 to Salem Friday.
The team still has to makeup games with Apalachee and Habersham Central.
The Apalachee makeup date is April 7, according to Hawley. She is still trying to reschedule the Habersham Central game.
